Chiropody

Caroline Butler - Chiropodist at Chippenham Chiropractic Clinic

Caroline graduated from the SMAE Institute in 2001 with a diploma in podiatric medicine. Since then she has run her own clinic in Chippenham and moved to our rooms at the Hathaway Surgery in May 2011. She is registered with the Health Professions Council.

Caroline explains about her work as a chiropodist:

"Most of us assume that our feet can somewhat naturally take care of themselves. Unless they hurt, sweat too much, itch, burn, cramp up, or feel ice cold or numb, we usually ignore them. Once past babyhood, their health is given low priority. Few of us even think about preventing foot complaints. We are indifferent to minor disorders and only do something when major changes or problems arrive. Then we consult the chiropodist or doctor, and expect instant relief and immediate cure!"

"The foot is made up of skin, muscle, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, and bones and these component parts can suffer from the same inborn or acquired health problems as the rest of our body. Injuries, infections, the effects of pressure, heat or cold, faulty foot wear all disturb the comfort and function of our feet, affecting our balance and movement and perhaps causing danger at work or during social and leisure activities."

What the chiropodist does

First line care of foot disorders in this country is usually undertaken by the chiropodist. The chiropodist has ten aims in his professional work:

1. To achieve (and then maintain) maximum foot health for everyone. This includes not just the health and function of the foot but of the leg as a whole.

2. To be a regular member of the paramedical team working within the primary health care area and usually based in health centres or GP's surgeries. This work includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders.

3. To treat foot disorders independently as a qualified professional.

4. To diagnose minor or serious changes in foot, such as colour, nutrition, circulation, infection, altered feeling, reduced power and distorted balance.

5. To visit patients at home and provide treatment at hospitals, health centres, or private clinics.

6. To relieve the symptoms of foot disorders and treat the cause when possible. Thus, a corn may be surgically removed and then advice given on stopping the pressure that initially created it.

7. To give guidance on the use of appliances, adaptations, and supportive aids such as special insoles or shoe raises when required.

8. To carry out minor operations such as removal of a verruca or treating an ingrowing toenail.

9. To carry out and support health education projects and plans.

10. To keep advances in foot care and foot treatment in the mind of the public and other health professionals.